Concentric-arrangement frame structure for recreational structure

ABSTRACT

A coupling device for a recreational structure comprises a first arm member and a second arm member. The first arm member comprises first and second ends that are arranged substantially in a plane. The first end comprises an external surface that is capable of receiving an internal surface of a first horizontal frame member of the recreational structure and the second end comprising either an external surface that is capable of receiving one of an internal surface of a second horizontal frame member of the recreational structure or an internal surface that is capable of receiving an external surface of the second horizontal frame member of the recreational structure. The second arm member is arranged along a longitudinal axis and is capable of receiving a vertical frame member of the recreational structure.

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Applications Ser. No. 60/951,171, filed, Jul. 20, 2007, entitled“Concentric Arrangement Frame Structure For Recreational Structure,” andinvented by Jeffry L. VanElverdinghe; U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/969,586, filed Aug. 31, 2007, entitledPanel-Type Frame Structure For A Recreational Structure, and invented byJeffry L. VanElverdinghe; and U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.11/970,412, filed Jan. 7, 2008, entitled “Panel-Type Frame Structure ForA Recreational Structure, and invented by Jeffry L. VanElverdinghe, thedisclosure of each being incorporated by referenced herein.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to recreational structures.More particularly, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to aframe structure arrangement for a recreational structure, such as, butnot limited to, trampolines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter disclosed herein is illustrated by way of example andnot by limitation in the accompanying figures in which like referencenumerals indicate similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C respectively depict cross-sectional front, side and topviews of a first exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 1D depicts a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment ofT-coupler device according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 1E-1J respectively depict exemplary cross-sectional side view ofseveral exemplary cross-sectional shapes for a T-coupler deviceaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 2A-2C respectively depict cross-sectional front, side and topviews of a second exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2D depicts a perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment ofT-coupler device according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 3A-3C respectively depict cross-sectional front, side and topviews of a third exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 4A-4C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of a fourthexemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for a recreational structureaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 5A-5C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of a fifthexemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for a recreational structureaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 6A-6C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of a sixthexemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for a recreational structureaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 7A-7C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of aseventh exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for a recreationalstructure according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 8A-8C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of aneighth exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for a recreationalstructure according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 9A-9C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of a ninthexemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for a recreational structureaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 10A-10C depict a front view, a side cross-sectional view and a topview of a tenth exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 11A-11C depict a front view, a side cross-sectional view and a topview of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 12A-12C depict a front view, a side cross-sectional view and a topview of a twelfth exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict front and side views of a thirteenth exemplaryembodiment of a T-coupler device for a recreational structure accordingto the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict front and side views of a fourteenth exemplaryembodiment of a T-coupler device for a recreational structure accordingto the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a safety enclosure accordingto the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIGS. 16A-16C depict exemplary embodiments of ferrules that can be usedwith a flexible rod that forms the safety enclosure of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of amultiple bed trampoline system according to the subject matter disclosedherein;

FIG. 18 depicts a top view of the exemplary embodiment of a multiple bedtrampoline system shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of aT-coupler device 1900 according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 20 depicts a recreational structure, such as a trampoline, that canutilize a coupling device according to the subject matter disclosedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments. Additionally, exemplary embodimentsare illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intendedthat the embodiments and figures disclosed are to be consideredillustrative rather than restrictive.

FIGS. 1-14 and 19 depict exemplary embodiments of aconcentric-arrangement frame structure for a recreational structure,such as, but not limited to a trampoline. The concentric nature of theframe structure subject matter disclosed herein relates to the abilityof the frame members of the frame structure to fit together by eitherfitting around or within other adjacent frame members.

FIGS. 1A-1C respectively depict cross-sectional front, side and topviews of a first exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 100 for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein.FIG. 1D depicts a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment ofT-coupler device 100. T-coupler device 100 comprises a joint portion101, an arm portion 102 and a leg portion 103. Arm portion 102 comprisesa first end 104 and a second end 105. In one exemplary embodiment, jointportion 101 surrounds arm portion 102 and is fixedly attached to armportion 102 in a well-known manner, such as by, but not limited to,welding. In another exemplary embodiment, joint portion 101 surroundsarm portion 102, but arm portion 102 is free to move inside of jointportion 101.

First end 104 and second end 105 are arranged to be substantially in aplane that is typically parallel to the rebounding surface (not shown)of a recreational structure, such as a trampoline. First end 104comprises an external surface 106 that is capable of receiving aninternal surface 107 of a first horizontal frame member 108 of therecreational structure. That is, first horizontal frame member 108 fitsaround first end 104. (See FIG. 1D in which only a portion of firsthorizontal frame member 108 is shown.) Second end 105 comprises anexternal surface 109 that is capable of receiving an internal surface110 of a second horizontal frame member 111 of a recreational structure.That is, second horizontal frame member 111 fits around second end 106.(See FIG. 1D in which only a portion of second horizontal frame member111 is shown.) Edges 112 and 113 of joint portion 101 respectively actas stops for ends 114 and 115 of horizontal frame members 108, 111.

Leg portion 103 of T-coupler device 100 extends in a direction along asecond longitudinal axis (not shown in FIGS. 1A-1D) that intersects theplane in which first end 104 and second end 105 are substantially in.Leg portion 103 is attached to joint portion 101 in a well-known manner,such as by, but not limited to, welding. Leg portion 103 comprises anend 116 that is capable of receiving a vertical frame member (not shownin FIG. 1A-1C) of a recreational structure.

FIGS. 1E-1J respectively depict exemplary cross-sectional side view ofseveral exemplary cross-sectional shapes for a T-coupler deviceaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, FIG. 1Edepicts a T-coupler device comprising a generally circularcross-sectional shape. FIG. 1F depicts a T-coupler device comprising agenerally square cross-sectional shape in which the width of the Tportion is about the same width as the leg portion. FIG. 1G depicts aT-coupler device comprising a generally rectangular cross-sectionalshape in which the width of the T portion is larger than the width ofthe leg portion. FIG. 1H depicts a T-coupler device comprising agenerally oval cross-sectional shape. FIG. 1I depicts a T-coupler devicecomprising a generally obround cross-sectional shape. FIG. 1J depicts aT-coupler device comprising a generally rectangular cross-sectionalshape in which the width of the T portion is larger than the width ofthe leg portion and in which the edges are rounded. It should beunderstood that a T-coupler device according to the subject matterdisclosed herein is not limited to the exemplary cross-sectional shapesdepicted in FIGS. 1E-1J. Additionally, it should be understood that theleg portion of a T-coupler device can have any of and is not limited toany of the exemplary cross-sectional shapes depicted in FIGS. 1E-1J.

FIGS. 2A-2C respectively depict cross-sectional front, side and topviews of a second exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 200 for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein.FIG. 2D depicts a perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment ofT-coupler device 200. T-coupler device 200 comprises a joint portion 201and a leg portion 203. Joint portion 201 is formed by a first armportion 202 a that fits inside and is fixed to a second arm portion 202b. Arm portion 202 a comprises a first end 204. Arm portion 202 bcomprises a second end 205. First end 204 and second end 205 arearranged to be substantially in a plane that is typically parallel tothe rebounding surface (not shown) of a recreational structure, such asa trampoline. First end 204 comprises an external surface 206 that iscapable of receiving an internal surface 207 of a first horizontal framemember 208 of the recreational structure. That is, first horizontalframe member 208 fits around first end 204. (See FIG. 2D in which only aportion of first horizontal frame member 208 is shown.) Second end 205comprises an internal surface 209 that is capable of receiving anexternal surface 210 of a second horizontal frame member 211 of arecreational structure. That is, second horizontal frame member 211 fitsinside second end 205. (See FIG. 1D in which only a portion of secondhorizontal frame member 211 is shown.) Edge 212 of joint portion 201acts as a stop for end 214 of horizontal frame member 208. Internal edge213 of joint portion 201 acts as a stop for end 215 of horizontal framemember 211.

Leg portion 203 of T-coupler device 200 extends in a direction along asecond longitudinal axis (not shown in FIGS. 2A-2D) that intersects theplane in which first end 204 and second end 205 are substantially in.Leg portion 203 is attached to joint portion 201 in a well-known manner,such as by, but not limited to, welding. Leg portion 203 comprises anend 216 that is capable of receiving a vertical frame member (not shownin FIG. 1A-1C) of a recreational structure.

It should be understood that the T-coupler 200 can comprise and is notlimited to any of the cross-sectional shapes shown in FIGS. 1E-1J.Additionally, it should be understood that the leg portion of aT-coupler device 200 can have any of and is not limited to any of theexemplary cross-sectional shapes depicted in FIGS. 1E-1J.

FIGS. 3A-3C respectively depict cross-sectional front, side and topviews of a third exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 300 for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein.T-coupler device 300 comprises a joint portion 301, an arm portion 302and a leg portion 303. Arm portion 302 comprises a first end 304 and asecond end 305. In one exemplary embodiment, joint portion 301 surroundsarm portion 302 and is fixedly attached to arm portion 302 in awell-known manner, such as by, but not limited to, welding. In anotherexemplary embodiment, joint portion 301 surrounds arm portion 302, butarm portion 302 is free to move inside of joint portion 301.

First end 304 and second end 305 are arranged to be substantially in aplane that is typically parallel to the rebounding surface (not shown)of a recreational structure, such as a trampoline. First end 304comprises an internal surface 306 that is capable of receiving anexternal surface 307 of a first connector member 308. That is, first end304 fits around first connector member 308. External surface 307 offirst connector member 308 is capable of receiving an internal surfaceof a first horizontal frame member (not shown) of a recreationalstructure. (See FIG. 1D for a depiction that would be similar to firstconnector member 308 in relationship to a first horizontal frame memberof a recreational structure.) Second end 305 comprises an internalsurface 309 that is capable of receiving an external surface 310 of asecond connector member 311. That is, second end 305 fits around secondconnector member 311. External surface 310 of second connector member311 is capable of receiving an internal surface of a second horizontalframe member (not shown) of a recreational structure. (See FIG. 1D for adepiction that would be similar to first connector member 308 inrelationship to a second horizontal frame member of a recreationalstructure.)

In one exemplary embodiment, joint portion 301 surrounds arm portion 302and is fixedly attached to arm portion 302 in a well-known manner, suchas by, but not limited to, welding. In another exemplary embodiment,joint portion 301 surrounds arm portion 302, but arm portion 302 is freeto move inside of joint portion 301. In yet another exemplaryembodiment, at least one of first connector member 308 and secondconnector member 310 is free to move within arm portion 302. In stillanother exemplary embodiment, at least one of first connector member 308and second connector member 310 is fixedly attached to arm portion 302in a well-known manner, such as by, but not limited to, welding. Inanother exemplary embodiment, first connector member 308 and secondconnector member 310 can abut each other within arm portion 302.

Leg portion 303 of T-coupler device 300 extends in a direction along asecond longitudinal axis (not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C) that intersects theplane in which first end 304 and second end 305 are substantially in.Leg portion 303 is attached to joint portion 301 in a well-known manner,such as by, but not limited to, welding. Leg portion 303 comprises anend 316 that is capable of receiving a vertical frame member (not shownin FIG. 3A-3C) of a recreational structure.

FIGS. 4A-4C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of a fourthexemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 400 for a recreationalstructure according to the subject matter disclosed herein. As depictedin FIGS. 4A-4C, T-coupler device 400 is similar to the exemplaryembodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It should beunderstood that T-coupler device 400 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 4A-4C also depict a T-coupler device that comprises anaperture 420 that is capable of receiving a vertical pole (not shown inFIGS. 4A-4C) for a safety enclosure, and a stop member 421 that acts toprevent the vertical pole from being received too far into leg portion403. As depicted, aperture 421 is formed by leg member 403 extending toand through a top edge of joint member 401 and arm member 402. In oneexemplary embodiment, leg member 403 is fixedly attached to joint member401 and arm member 402 in a well-known manner, such as by, but notlimited to, welding. Stop member 421 is fixedly attached to the insideof leg portion 403 in a well-known manner, such as, but not limited to,by welding. Stop member 421 can also act as a stop that prevents a legof a recreational structure from being inserted too far into leg member403. It should be understood that while stop member 421 is depicted as aring-type stop member, stop member 421 could be a solid piece thatsubstantially fills the internal space of leg member 403.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of a fifthexemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 500 for a recreationalstructure according to the subject matter disclosed herein. As depictedin FIGS. 5A-5C, T-coupler device 500 is similar to the exemplaryembodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It should beunderstood that T-coupler device 500 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 5A-5C also depict a T-coupler device that comprises anaperture 520 that is capable of receiving a vertical pole (not shown inFIGS. 5A-5C) for a safety enclosure, and a crimp-type stop member 521that acts to prevent the vertical pole from being received too far intoleg portion 503. As depicted, aperture 521 is formed by leg member 503extending to and through a top edge of joint member 501 and arm member502. In one exemplary embodiment, leg member 503 is fixedly attached tojoint member 501 and arm member 502 in a well-known manner, such as by,but not limited to, welding. Crimp-type stop member 521 is formed in awell-known manner to project inwardly on the inside of leg portion 503.Crimp-type stop member 521 can also act as a stop that prevents a leg ofa recreational structure from being inserted too far into leg member503. It should be understood that while crimp-type stop member 521 isdepicted as substantially encircling the inside of leg member 503,crimp-type stop member 521 could be formed to be only partiallyencircling the inside of leg member 503.

FIGS. 6A-6C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of a sixthexemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 600 for a recreationalstructure according to the subject matter disclosed herein. As depictedin FIGS. 6A-6C, T-coupler device 600 is similar to the exemplaryembodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It should beunderstood that T-coupler device 600 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 6A-6C also depict a T-coupler device that comprises aside-sleeve member 630 comprising a generally circular cross-sectionalshape that is capable of receiving a vertical pole (not shown in FIGS.6A-6C) for a safety enclosure. Side-sleeve member 630 is fixedlyattached to joint member 601 in a well-known manner, such as by, but notlimited to, welding. In one exemplary embodiment, side-sleeve member 630could be formed to comprise a blind aperture. In another exemplaryembodiment, side-sleeve member 630 could be formed to comprise a slotopening in the side of side-sleeve member 630. It should be understoodthat side-sleeve member 630 could be formed to comprise any suitablecross-sectional shape.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of aseventh exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 700 for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein.As depicted in FIGS. 7A-7C, T-coupler device 700 is similar to theexemplary embodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It shouldbe understood that T-coupler device 700 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 7A-7C also depict a T-coupler device that comprises aside-sleeve member 730 comprising a generally square cross-sectionalshape that is capable of receiving a vertical pole (not shown in FIGS.7A-7C) for a safety enclosure. Side-sleeve member 730 is fixedlyattached to joint member 701 in a well-known manner, such as by, but notlimited to, welding. In one exemplary embodiment, side-sleeve member 730could be formed to comprise a blind aperture. In another exemplaryembodiment, side-sleeve member 730 could be formed to comprise a slotopening in the side of side-sleeve member 730. It should be understoodthat side-sleeve member 730 could be formed to comprise any suitablecross-sectional shape.

FIGS. 8A-8C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of aneighth exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 800 for a recreationalstructure according to the subject matter disclosed herein. As depictedin FIGS. 8A-8C, T-coupler device 800 is similar to the exemplaryembodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It should beunderstood that T-coupler device 800 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 8A-8C also depict a T-coupler device that comprises aside-sleeve member 840 comprising a generally round cross-sectionalshape that is capable of receiving a flexible pole (not shown in FIGS.8A-8C) for a safety enclosure, such as the exemplary safety enclosuredescribed in connection with FIGS. 15 and 16. Side-sleeve member 840 isfixedly attached to joint member 801 in a well-known manner, such as by,but not limited to, welding. In one exemplary embodiment, side-sleevemember 840 could be formed to comprise a blind aperture. In anotherexemplary embodiment, side-sleeve member 840 could be formed to comprisea slot opening in the side of side-sleeve member 840. It should beunderstood that side-sleeve member 840 could be formed to comprise anysuitable cross-sectional shape.

FIGS. 9A-9C depict cross-sectional front, side and top views of a ninthexemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 900 for a recreationalstructure according to the subject matter disclosed herein. As depictedin FIGS. 9A-9C, T-coupler device 900 is similar to the exemplaryembodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It should beunderstood that T-coupler device 900 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 9A-9C also depict a T-coupler device that comprisesside-sleeve members 940 a and 940 b each comprising a generally roundcross-sectional shapes that are each capable of receiving a flexiblepole (not shown in FIGS. 9A-9C) for a safety enclosure, such as theexemplary safety enclosure described in connection with FIGS. 15 and 16.Side-sleeve members 940 a and 940 b are fixedly attached to joint member901 in a well-known manner, such as by, but not limited to, welding. Inone exemplary embodiment, at least one of side-sleeve members 940 a and940 b could be formed to comprise a blind aperture. In another exemplaryembodiment, at least one of side-sleeve member 940 could be formed tocomprise a slot opening in the side of the side-sleeve member. It shouldbe understood that either of side-sleeve members 940 a and 940 b couldbe formed to comprise any suitable cross-sectional shape.

FIGS. 10A-10C depict a front view, a side cross-sectional view and a topview of a tenth exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 1000 for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein.As depicted in FIGS. 10A-10C, T-coupler device 1000 is similar to theexemplary embodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It shouldbe understood that T-coupler device 1000 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 10A-10C also depict a T-coupler device that comprises anaperture 1050 formed in joint member 1001 comprising a generally roundcross-sectional shape that is capable of receiving a flexible pole (notshown in FIGS. 10A-10C) for a safety enclosure, such as the exemplarysafety enclosure described in connection with FIGS. 15 and 16. It shouldbe understood that aperture 1050 could be formed to comprise anysuitable cross-sectional shape.

FIGS. 11A-11C depict a front view, a side cross-sectional view and a topview of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 1100 fora recreational structure according to the subject matter disclosedherein. As depicted in FIGS. 11A-11C, T-coupler device 1100 is similarto the exemplary embodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. Itshould be understood that T-coupler device 1100 could incorporate any ofthe features described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 11A-11C also depict a T-coupler device that comprisesside-sleeve members 1160 a and 1160 b that are oriented at an angle.Each side-sleeve member 1160 a and 1160 b comprises a generally roundcross-sectional shape that is capable of receiving a flexible pole (notshown in FIGS. 11A-11C) for a safety enclosure, such as the exemplarysafety enclosure described in connection with FIGS. 15 and 16.Side-sleeve members 1160 a and 1160 b are fixedly attached to leg member1103 in a well-known manner, such as by, but not limited to, welding. Inone exemplary embodiment, at least one of side-sleeve members 1160 a and1160 b could be formed to comprise a blind aperture. In anotherexemplary embodiment, at least one of side-sleeve member 1160 could beformed to comprise a slot opening in the side of the side-sleeve member.It should be understood that either of side-sleeve members 1160 a and1160 b could be formed to comprise any suitable cross-sectional shape.

FIGS. 12A-12C depict a front view, a side cross-sectional view and a topview of a twelfth exemplary embodiment of a T-coupler device 1200 for arecreational structure according to the subject matter disclosed herein.As depicted in FIGS. 12A-12C, T-coupler device 1200 is similar to theexemplary embodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It shouldbe understood that T-coupler device 1200 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 12A-12C also depict a T-coupler device that comprisesside-sleeve members 1270 a and 1270 b that are offset from each other.Each side-sleeve member 1270 a and 1270 b comprises a generally roundcross-sectional shape that is capable of receiving a flexible pole (notshown in FIGS. 12A-12C) for a safety enclosure, such as the exemplarysafety enclosure described in connection with FIGS. 15 and 16.Side-sleeve members 1270 a and 1270 b are fixedly attached to jointmember 1201 in a well-known manner, such as by, but not limited to,welding. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of side-sleevemembers 1270 a and 1270 b could be formed to comprise a blind aperture.In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of side-sleeve member 1270could be formed to comprise a slot opening in the side of theside-sleeve member. It should be understood that either of side-sleevemembers 1270 a and 1270 b could be formed to comprise any suitablecross-sectional shape.

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict front and side views of a thirteenth exemplaryembodiment of a T-coupler device 1300 for a recreational structureaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein. As depicted in FIGS.13A and 13B, T-coupler device 1300 is similar to the exemplaryembodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It should beunderstood that T-coupler device 1300 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 13A and 13B also depict a T-coupler device that comprisesa leg portion 1303 that is long enough to act as a leg support memberfor a recreational structure. In one exemplary embodiment, leg portion1303 could be formed from a plurality of sections. In another exemplaryembodiment leg portion 1303 could be short, similar to the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1-12 and be capable of receiving a leg support member ofa recreational structure.

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict front and side views of a fourteenth exemplaryembodiment of a T-coupler device 1400 for a recreational structureaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein. As depicted in FIGS.14A and 14B, T-coupler device 1400 is similar to the exemplaryembodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. It should beunderstood that T-coupler device 1400 could incorporate any of thefeatures described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. FIGS. 14A and 14B also depict a T-coupler device that comprisesa leg portion 1403 that is long enough to act as a J-shaped leg supportmember for a recreational structure.

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a safety enclosure 1500according to the subject matter disclosed herein. Safety enclosure 1500is designed to safely stop a user from falling from the reboundingsurface of the recreational structure and operates as a fence around therebounding surface, but does not act as a rebounder. Safety enclosure1500 comprises a plurality of flexible rods 1501 that supports andsuspends safety netting 1502. One suitable flexible rod that could beused for flexible rod 1501 is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,187 A1 toLin et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Safety netting 1502 comprises a net or fabric mesh and a plurality ofsleeves formed along a top edge of the netting in which a rod 1501 canbe inserted. When a rod 1501 is inserted into a sleeve, the two ends ofthe rod extend out from the sleeve. The ends of each flexible rod 1501are then coupled to frame 1550 by inserting each end into an aperture ora side-sleeve member, such as any of the apertures and/or side-sleevesdescribed in connection with T-coupler devices disclosed herein, so thatthe rod 1501 forms an arch that spans between two apertures (and/orside-sleeve members) that are spaced apart. For example, referring toFIG. 15, a rod 1501 forms an arch that spans between two T-couplerdevices 1551 located at point A and point C. Points A and C are spacedapart, in this case, by two times the length of the span of frame 1550between two T-coupler devices 1551 plus the length of one T-couplerdevice 1551 that is located at B. Other exemplary distances are possiblefor forming an arch by a rod 1501.

The sleeve formed in flexible netting 1502 is coupled to an archedflexible rod at least at a top portion of the arch formed by a flexiblerod. The arrangement is repeated around the frame 1550 so that adjacentflexible rods 1501 overlap and provide lateral support to each other. Inone exemplary embodiment, the number of flexible rods 1501 equals thenumber of T-coupler devices in frame 1550 of the recreational structure.In another exemplary embodiment, the number of flexible rods 1501 is asub-multiple of the number of number of T-coupler devices in frame 1550of the recreational structure. While flexible rods 1501 are depicted inFIG. 15 has extending substantially vertically from frame 1550, theapertures and/or side-sleeve members that receive flexible rods 1501could be oriented and the size of the top of the safety netting at thesleeves is such that flexible rods 1501 bow outward from frame 1550before bowing back in at the top of the safety netting. Additionally,safety netting 1502 comprises a door arrangement (not shown) forallowing entry into the area enclosed by safety enclosure 1500.

In one exemplary embodiment, a flexible rod 1501 comprises a ferrule1601 disposed at each end of the rod, such as shown in FIG. 16A. Thesize of ferrule 1601 is selected so that it can be inserted into anaperture or a sleeve-sleeve member of a T-coupler device. One exemplaryembodiment of a ferrule 1601 comprises an integrated stop flange 1602for preventing the flexible rod from being inserted too far into anaperture or a side-sleeve member of a T-coupler device. Further, in oneexemplary embodiment, flexible rod 1501 can be formed from one piece. Inan alternative exemplary embodiment, a flexible rod 1501 can be formedfrom a plurality of shorter flexible members 1501 a (FIGS. 16B and 16C).When flexible rod 1501 is formed from a plurality of flexible members1501 a, the flexible members 1501 a can be fastened together using rigidconnector ferrules, such as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C. FIG. 16B showsone exemplary embodiment of a rigid connector ferrule 1602, and FIG. 16Cshows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a rigid connector ferrule1604. When flexible rod 1501 comprises a coated fiberglass rod, thejacket material of the fiberglass rod forming the coated portion shouldbe removed if ferrule will be crimpled or glued.

FIG. 17 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of amultiple bed trampoline system 1700 according to the subject matterdisclosed herein. Multiple bed trampoline system 1700, as depicted,includes three jumping surfaces 1701 that are each surrounded by acorresponding enclosure formed from a polygonally shaped frame structure1702 and a safety netting 1703. For the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 17, which is shown as having hexagonally shaped jumping surfacesand enclosures, it should be understood that other polygonally shapedjumping surfaces and corresponding enclosures could alternatively beused. Further, it should be understood that any number of jumpingsurfaces and corresponding enclosures can be combined to form atrampoline system according to the subject matter disclosed herein.Typically, at least two jumping surfaces and corresponding enclosureswould be used. Further, it should be noted that FIG. 17 does notindicate all items for clarity of the drawing.

Jumping surfaces 1701 are attached to frame structure 1702 in awell-known manner, such as by, but not limited to, using spring members(not indicated with reference numerals). Safety netting 1703 issuspended from a top edge of the frame structure 1702 in a well-knownmatter, such as by, but not limited to, spring members. The tops of theenclosures are covered by safety netting (not shown for clarity).

An opening in the safety netting exists between each enclosure so that agaming object, such as a ball, can be propelled by a user through theopening toward a goal formed in the netting 1703. It should beunderstood that the opening could be of a selected and/or variable size.FIG. 18 depicts a top view of the exemplary embodiment of a multiple bedtrampoline system shown in FIG. 17. At least one goal 1704 is formed aspart of netting 1703 for each enclosure. A user jumping within anenclosure in which a gaming object has been propelled would attempt toblock or deflect the gaming object from entering the goal. It should beunderstood that there are a plurality of rules that can be devisedgoverning play, that is, governing the propulsion of the gaming objecttoward a goal and the prevention of the gaming object from entering thegoal. FIG. 18 also depicts a cushioning device covering 1705 at least aportion of an opening between enclosures. It should be understood thatthe cushioning device could cover at minimum a portion of the framestructure corresponding to the bottom of the opening to completelycovering the frame structure surrounding the opening.

FIG. 19 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of aT-coupler device 1900 according to the subject matter disclosed herein.As depicted in FIG. 19, T-coupler device 1900 has similarities to theother exemplary embodiments of T-coupler devices described herein. Itshould be understood that T-coupler device 1900 could incorporate any ofthe features described in connection with T-coupler devices describedherein. T-coupler device 1900 comprises a plurality of arms members 1901in which each arm member comprises an external surface 1906 that iscapable of receiving an internal surface of a frame structure member.That is, the frame structure member fits around an arm member 1901.Alternatively, T-coupler device 1900 comprises at least one arm member1901 comprising an external surface that is capable of receiving aninternal surface of a frame structure member externally.

FIG. 20 depicts a recreational structure 2000, such as a trampoline,that can utilize a coupling device according to the subject matterdisclosed herein. Recreational structure 2000 comprises a framestructure 2001, a rebounding bed 2002 and a plurality of spring members2003, of which only a few are indicated. Frame structure 2001 comprisesa plurality of horizontal frame members 2004, of which only a few areindicated, and a plurality of vertical frame members 2005, of which onlya few are indicated. Adjacent vertical frame members 2005 are coupled bya leg support member 2006, of which only one is indicated, to providestructural support in a well-known manner.

The materials used for the T-coupler devices according to the subjectmatter disclosed herein should have sufficient strength for the loadsand stresses that are expected to be experienced by the variouscomponent of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Although the foregoing disclosed subject matter has been described insome detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will beapparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced thatare within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the presentembodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive,and the subject matter disclosed herein is not to be limited to thedetails given herein, but may be modified within the scope andequivalents of the appended claims.

1. A coupling device for a recreational structure, comprising: a firstarm member comprising first and second ends, the first and second endsbeing arranged substantially in a plane, the first end comprising anexternal surface capable of receiving an internal surface of a firsthorizontal frame member of the recreational structure and the second endcomprising one of an external surface capable of receiving one of aninternal surface of a second horizontal frame member of the recreationalstructure and an internal surface capable of receiving an externalsurface of the second horizontal frame member of the recreationalstructure; and a second arm member arranged along a longitudinal axisand capable of receiving a vertical frame member of the recreationalstructure, the longitudinal axis intersecting the plane.
 2. The couplingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the first arm member furthercomprises a third end, the third end being arranged substantially in theplane that the first end and the second end are arranged, the third endcomprising one of an external surface capable of receiving one of aninternal surface of a second horizontal frame member of the recreationalstructure and an internal surface capable of receiving an externalsurface of the second horizontal frame member of the recreationalstructure.
 3. The coupling device according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least one aperture between the first arm member and thesecond arm member, at least one of the apertures being capable ofreceiving a support member of a safety enclosure.
 4. The coupling deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising at least one side sleeve membercomprising at least one aperture capable of receiving a support memberof a safety enclosure.
 5. The coupling device according to claim 1,further comprising the first horizontal frame member and the secondhorizontal frame member, the first horizontal frame member and thesecond horizontal frame member respectively being received by the firstend and the second end and comprising part of the recreationalstructure.
 6. The coupling device according to claim 5, wherein therecreational structure comprises a plurality of flexible rods, eachflexible rod comprising a first end and a second end, at least fourapertures arranged in a first through fourth sequential arrangementalong the recreational frame structure, each aperture capable ofreceiving an end of a flexible rod, the first end of a first flexiblerod being received by the first aperture and the second end of the firstflexible rod being received by the third aperture, and the first end ofthe second flexible rod being received by the second aperture and thesecond end of the second flexible rod being received by the fourthaperture, the first and second flexible rods each forming an arch shapebetween the apertures receiving the respective ends of the first andsecond flexible rods.
 7. The coupling device according to claim 6,wherein the recreational structure further comprises a net coupled to atleast a top arch portion of at least one of the first and secondflexible rods.
 8. The coupling device according to claim 7, wherein thefirst and second flexible rods provide a lateral support to each other.9. A coupling device for a recreational structure, comprising: aconnector member comprising a first end and a second end, the first endof the connector member comprising an external surface and the secondend of the connector member comprising an external surface; a first armmember comprising first and second ends, the first and second ends beingarranged substantially in a plane, the first end comprising an internalsurface capable of receiving the external surface of the first end ofthe connector member and the second end comprising one of an externalsurface capable of receiving one of an internal surface of a firsthorizontal frame member of the recreational structure and an internalsurface capable of receiving an external surface of the first horizontalframe member of the recreational structure; and a second arm memberarranged along a longitudinal axis and capable of receiving a verticalframe member of the recreational structure, the longitudinal axisintersecting the plane.
 10. The coupling device according to claim 9,further comprising at least one aperture between the first arm memberand the second arm member, at least one of the apertures being capableof receiving a support member of a safety enclosure.
 11. The couplingdevice according to claim 9, further comprising at least one side sleevemember comprising at least one aperture capable of receiving a supportmember of a safety enclosure.
 12. The coupling device according to claim9, further comprising the first horizontal frame member and the secondhorizontal frame member, the first horizontal frame member and thesecond horizontal frame member respectively being received by the secondend of the arm member and the second end of the connector member andcomprising part of the recreational structure.
 13. The coupling deviceaccording to claim 12, wherein the recreational structure comprises aplurality of flexible rods, each flexible rod comprising a first end anda second end, at least four apertures arranged in a first through fourthsequential arrangement along the recreational frame structure, eachaperture capable of receiving an end of a flexible rod, the first end ofa first flexible rod being received by the first aperture and the secondend of the first flexible rod being received by the third aperture, andthe first end of the second flexible rod being received by the secondaperture and the second end of the second flexible rod being received bythe fourth aperture, the first and second flexible rods each forming anarch shape between the apertures receiving the respective ends of thefirst and second flexible rods.
 14. A coupling device for a recreationalstructure, comprising: a first connector member comprising a first endand a second end, the first and second ends of the first connectormember comprising an exterior surface, the exterior surface of thesecond end capable of receiving an interior surface of a firsthorizontal frame member of the recreational structure; a secondconnector member comprising a first end and a second end, the first andsecond ends of the second connector member comprising an exteriorsurface, the exterior surface of the second end capable of receiving aninterior surface of a second horizontal frame member of the recreationalstructure; a first arm member comprising first and second ends, thefirst and second ends being arranged substantially in a plane, the firstend comprising an internal surface capable of receiving the externalsurface of the first connector member and the second end comprising aninternal surface capable of receiving then external surface of thesecond connector member; and a second arm member arranged along alongitudinal axis and capable of receiving a vertical frame member ofthe recreational structure, the longitudinal axis intersecting theplane.
 15. The coupling device according to claim 14, further comprisingat least one aperture between the first arm member and the second armmember, at least one of the apertures being capable of receiving asupport member of a safety enclosure.
 16. The coupling device accordingto claim 14, further comprising at least one side sleeve membercomprising at least one aperture capable of receiving a support memberof a safety enclosure.
 17. The coupling device according to claim 14,further comprising the first horizontal frame member and the secondhorizontal frame member, the first horizontal frame member and thesecond horizontal frame member respectively being received by the secondend of the arm member and the second end of the connector member andcomprising part of the recreational structure.
 18. The coupling deviceaccording to claim 17, wherein the recreational structure comprises aplurality of flexible rods, each flexible rod comprising a first end anda second end, at least four apertures arranged in a first through fourthsequential arrangement along the recreational frame structure, eachaperture capable of receiving an end of a flexible rod, the first end ofa first flexible rod being received by the first aperture and the secondend of the first flexible rod being received by the third aperture, andthe first end of the second flexible rod being received by the secondaperture and the second end of the second flexible rod being received bythe fourth aperture, the first and second flexible rods each forming anarch shape between the apertures receiving the respective ends of thefirst and second flexible rods.
 18. A safety enclosure structure,comprising: a plurality of flexible rods, each flexible rod comprising afirst end and a second end; and a frame assembly comprising at leastfour apertures arranged in a first through fourth sequential arrangementalong the frame assembly, each aperture capable of receiving an end of aflexible rod, the first end of a first flexible rod being received bythe first aperture and the second end of the first flexible rod beingreceived by the third aperture, and the first end of the second flexiblerod being received by the second aperture and the second end of thesecond flexible rod being received by the fourth aperture, the first andsecond flexible rods each forming an arch shape between the aperturesreceiving the respective ends of the first and second flexible rods. 19.The safety enclosure structure according to claim 18, further comprisinga net coupled to at least a top arch portion of at least one of thefirst and second flexible rods.
 20. The safety enclosure structureaccording to claim 19, wherein the first and second flexible rodsprovide a lateral support to each other.
 21. The safety enclosureaccording to claim 20, wherein the frame structure comprises a couplingdevice comprising: a first arm member comprising first and second ends,the first and second ends being arranged substantially in a plane, thefirst end comprising an external surface capable of receiving aninternal surface of a first horizontal frame member of the framestructure and the second end comprising one of an external surfacecapable of receiving one of an internal surface of a second horizontalframe member of the frame structure and an internal surface capable ofreceiving an external surface of the second horizontal frame member ofthe frame structure structure; and a second arm member arranged along alongitudinal axis and capable of receiving a vertical frame member ofthe frame structure, the longitudinal axis intersecting the plane. 22.The safety enclosure according to claim 20, wherein the frame structurecomprises a coupling device comprising: a connector member comprising afirst end and a second end, the first end of the connector membercomprising an external surface and the second end of the connectormember comprising an external surface; a first arm member comprisingfirst and second ends, the first and second ends being arrangedsubstantially in a plane, the first end comprising an internal surfacecapable of receiving the external surface of the first end of theconnector member and the second end comprising one of an externalsurface capable of receiving one of an internal surface of a firsthorizontal frame member of the frame structure and an internal surfacecapable of receiving an external surface of the first horizontal framemember of the frame structure; and a second arm member arranged along alongitudinal axis and capable of receiving a vertical frame member ofthe frame structure, the longitudinal axis intersecting the plane. 23.The safety enclosure according to claim 20, wherein the frame structurecomprises a coupling device comprising: a first connector membercomprising a first end and a second end, the first and second ends ofthe first connector member comprising an exterior surface, the exteriorsurface of the second end capable of receiving an interior surface of afirst horizontal frame member of the frame structure; a second connectormember comprising a first end and a second end, the first and secondends of the second connector member comprising an exterior surface, theexterior surface of the second end capable of receiving an interiorsurface of a second horizontal frame member of the frame structure; afirst arm member comprising first and second ends, the first and secondends being arranged substantially in a plane, the first end comprisingan internal surface capable of receiving the external surface of thefirst connector member and the second end comprising an internal surfacecapable of receiving then external surface of the second connectormember; and a second arm member arranged along a longitudinal axis andcapable of receiving a vertical frame member of the frame structure, thelongitudinal axis intersecting the plane.